How does car suspension work?

Suspension components keep tyres in firm contact with the road to maximise grip, stability and braking.

How much does it cost to repair suspension?

Costs vary by diagnosis. An inspection will confirm whether bushes, shocks or other parts require replacement.

What are warning signs my suspension needs attention?

Clunks or squeaks over bumps, uneven tyre wear, instability when braking, or the vehicle pulling to one side.

Is driving with damaged suspension recommended?

No. It compromises control and braking. Arrange an inspection as soon as possible.

Common suspension problems we see

Misalignment, worn rubber bushes, tired or leaking shocks, incorrect parts installed and ride-height issues from unsuitable lift setups.

Typical time to complete a suspension repair

Around 1–5 hours depending on the vehicle and scope of work.

Symptoms of poor wheel alignment

Off-centre steering wheel, pulling, vibration and rapid or uneven tyre wear.

Consequences of skipping alignment

Reduced handling precision and faster tyre wear, which increases costs.

When to replace suspension bushes

Replace if cracked, perished or moving excessively. Polyurethane replacement bushes can improve durability.

When does a 4x4 lift kit make sense?

If you need more clearance, load capacity or space for larger tyres. Always select a vehicle-specific, road-legal setup.

Do I need regular alignment and suspension checks?

Yes. Alignment preserves geometry and tyres, and routine checks catch issues early.

How often should I align the wheels?

About annually, or sooner after rough-road use, impacts or suspension changes.

How often to check the power steering system?

Follow the service schedule; periodic inspections around every 20,000 km help prevent pump and rack issues.

U-Bolts with Fitting Position Rear Axle for Vehicle

U-bolts are a critical fastener in leaf spring suspension systems, clamping the axle securely to the leaf spring pack and helping maintain correct axle alignment under ...

U-bolts are a critical fastener in leaf spring suspension systems, clamping the axle securely to the leaf spring pack and helping maintain correct axle alignment under load. Because they hold the entire axle and spring assembly together, U-bolts play a major role in suspension safety, stability, and predictable handling, particularly on 4WDs used for towing, touring, and off-road driving.

Over time, U-bolts can stretch, fatigue, corrode, or lose clamping force due to repeated load cycling, harsh terrain, and constant vibration. Once clamping pressure reduces, the axle can shift slightly under load, contributing to uneven handling, unwanted movement, and accelerated wear of leaf spring components. This category covers U-bolts designed to maintain strong, consistent clamping force and support safe suspension operation in real-world 4WD conditions.

Why Upgrade Your 4WD Suspension?

Factory U-bolts are designed to suit standard driving conditions, but 4WD suspension systems often experience increased strain once towing forces, touring payloads, or off-road impacts are introduced. Corrugations, heavy loads, and frequent articulation can place additional stress on U-bolts, increasing the likelihood of fatigue or loss of tension over time.

Replacing U-bolts is a smart step whenever leaf springs are upgraded or removed, as reused U-bolts may no longer hold the correct clamping pressure. Upgrading to quality U-bolts helps maintain axle positioning, supports better suspension control, and improves safety by keeping the axle and leaf spring assembly firmly secured.

U-Bolts Range

This category includes U-bolts designed to securely clamp the axle to the leaf spring pack and maintain consistent suspension alignment under load and suspension movement.

The range includes:

U-Bolts: Designed to provide strong, reliable clamping force between the axle and leaf springs, helping maintain correct alignment, improve suspension stability, and support safe handling under towing, touring, and off-road conditions.

These U-bolts are an essential replacement item during suspension servicing or leaf spring installation to ensure the axle assembly remains securely mounted.

Why Choose Quality U-Bolts?

U-bolts are a high-stress component that must maintain consistent tension through vibration, load changes, and harsh environmental exposure. Poor-quality U-bolts may corrode, stretch, or lose clamping force prematurely, reducing axle stability and increasing the chance of suspension movement or component wear.

Quality U-bolts are engineered for strength, durability, and reliable fitment. This helps maintain correct clamping pressure over time, supports more stable handling, and improves long-term suspension reliability in real-world 4WD use.

How U-Bolts Improve Performance

Replacing worn or stretched U-bolts helps maintain proper axle positioning and improves suspension stability under load.

Key benefits include:

Improved axle stability and reduced unwanted movement

Consistent clamping force to secure the leaf spring assembly

Better handling and safety under towing and load conditions

Reduced wear on leaf spring packs and mounting components

Improved reliability during off-road suspension cycling

U-bolts are a small component with a major impact on suspension safety and long-term durability.

Who Is This Category For?

U-bolts are ideal for 4WD owners replacing leaf springs, servicing suspension components, or refreshing rear suspension hardware to improve safety and reliability.

This category suits:

Owners upgrading leaf springs or suspension systems

Vehicles towing caravans, trailers, or carrying constant payload

Touring and off-road drivers experiencing heavy suspension cycling

Anyone replacing worn, corroded, or stretched U-bolts during servicing

If you are installing new leaf springs or rebuilding a leaf spring setup, replacing the U-bolts is an essential step for correct fitment and safe suspension performance.

Explore U-Bolts

Shop Formula 4x4 u-bolts to secure your leaf springs. Boost safety, improve ride quality with our u-bolt range. Upgrade your 4WD with fast delivery today.

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